One drink could kill and destroy lives, say police, as they launched their winter Anti-drink and Drug Drive Operation.
At the PSNI (Police Service of Northern Ireland) Chief Supt Sam Donaldson, Operational Support Department, warned drivers there is absolutely no excuse for driving with drink or drugs.
He said: “Driving with drink or drugs is a crime and drastically increases the chances of causing a collision. It only takes one drink. If you’re planning on driving, don’t drink any alcohol or take any drugs at all. Drink or drug driving is one of the ‘Fatal Five’, which are the main reasons people are dying on our roads.
“During last year’s campaign we carried out over 7,500 roadside breath tests and arrested almost 300 people for drink/drug driving related offences. This was a decrease of 3.9% compared with the same period the year before. This number is totally unacceptable as every single person who drives after consuming alcohol or drugs are a risk to themselves and other road users.
“Over the coming weeks targeted operations will run day and night across the country, and we will coordinate road safety operations in border counties with colleagues from An Garda Síochána Traffic Corp. As in previous years, the Road Policing Unit and Interceptor Teams, local and neighbourhood officers will be working alongside Tactical Support Group colleagues. We will again use authorised vehicle checkpoints as a very visible, physical deterrent to anyone thinking about drink or drug driving.
“If convicted you will face the prospect of starting the New Year with a court appearance and losing your driving license. This can have a huge impact on your life and that of your family. I need people to realise that driving a vehicle having consumed drink or drugs is a crime. If you are aware of anyone who is drinking or taking drugs and driving, please call the police on 101 or in an emergency dial 999.
“We are also reminding people that we work with the charity Crimestoppers. if you prefer to stay completely anonymous, but know someone who is drinking or taking drugs and driving, you can tell Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.”
At the charity Crimestoppers, Director of Operations Mick Duthie said: “The contact centre is open around the clock, alternatively, visit the charity’s website crimestopers-uk.org and fill out an anonymous online form. Crimestoppers just want to know what you know – not who you are. They will then pass it on to the police for you.”
See also a sample of crimes solved by passing information to Crimestoppers.
On average, 2,000 people each year are killed or seriously injured in collisions where drink or drugs are a factor and more than 150 of these incidents occur in the month of December, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) reports. Nearly 50,000 breath tests (49,812) were conducted in 2023 with 9.5 per cent of those testing positive, failed or refused. 6,846 drug tests were conducted with nearly half (48.5pc) of those testing positive. Most, 84 per cent of drink or drug driving offenders were male with 74 per cent 25 years old or over. 6,616 arrests were made for drink and drug driving offences and 1,589 individuals were charged.
CT reminder
Meanwhile, Counter Terrorism Policing are reminding people to trust their instincts and to take action by telling staff, security or police or reporting online if something doesn’t feel right, when out and about, such as at a market. You can report it in confidence via gov.uk/ACT.
